U.S. President Donald Trump has complained that Japan was not buying American rice, putting pressure on Tokyo as it struggles to seal a trade deal before so-called "reciprocal" tariffs are set to kick in on July 9.

US President Donald Trump cast doubt on reaching a trade deal with Japan, a day after threatening higher tariffs on Japanese exports to the United States, claiming the country won’t buy American rice.

Why It Matters Early on, Trump had expressed optimism about the potential for a quick trade deal with Japan, as he sought to renegotiate terms with dozens of countries during his reciprocal tariff pause.